Aftermarket Options 2005 E55 Recommendations
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
Aftermarket Options 2005 E55 Recommendations
As luck would have it, I'm receiving my new black on black 2005 E55 exactly on my birthday this year. I cannot wait. I have a few questions and I was pretty sure that the forum would have feedback.
1) I'm looking to have the K40 internal radar detector installed. Any recommendations or alternatives suggested?
2) How secure is the MB E55? I'm originally from South Africa where everyone has fuel pump kill/start switches hidden in their cars. Is such a thing necessary in California?
3) I assume the rims come with a special key to unlock one of the nuts?
4) Are there any aftermarket ways to connect my IPOD to the factory installed stereo?
5) How many miles to I have to drive this car responsibly before I can open her up? For my 4-Runner it was 2000 miles at 55. The hardest 2000 miles I ever did, but the car still to this day will not die and I attribute a lot to that initial startup.
6) Someone mentioned something about different seat inserts? What is this?
7) Any other recommendations by other forum members of what I should consider?
I want to take care of this type of homework now so when I take delivery I can just enjoy the car.
Thanks,
Gareth
1) I'm looking to have the K40 internal radar detector installed. Any recommendations or alternatives suggested?
2) How secure is the MB E55? I'm originally from South Africa where everyone has fuel pump kill/start switches hidden in their cars. Is such a thing necessary in California?
3) I assume the rims come with a special key to unlock one of the nuts?
4) Are there any aftermarket ways to connect my IPOD to the factory installed stereo?
5) How many miles to I have to drive this car responsibly before I can open her up? For my 4-Runner it was 2000 miles at 55. The hardest 2000 miles I ever did, but the car still to this day will not die and I attribute a lot to that initial startup.
6) Someone mentioned something about different seat inserts? What is this?
7) Any other recommendations by other forum members of what I should consider?
I want to take care of this type of homework now so when I take delivery I can just enjoy the car.
Thanks,
Gareth
#2
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
too many to list
Originally Posted by gmdebruyn
As luck would have it, I'm receiving my new black on black 2005 E55 exactly on my birthday this year. I cannot wait. I have a few questions and I was pretty sure that the forum would have feedback.
1) I'm looking to have the K40 internal radar detector installed. Any recommendations or alternatives suggested?
2) How secure is the MB E55? I'm originally from South Africa where everyone has fuel pump kill/start switches hidden in their cars. Is such a thing necessary in California?
3) I assume the rims come with a special key to unlock one of the nuts?
4) Are there any aftermarket ways to connect my IPOD to the factory installed stereo?
5) How many miles to I have to drive this car responsibly before I can open her up? For my 4-Runner it was 2000 miles at 55. The hardest 2000 miles I ever did, but the car still to this day will not die and I attribute a lot to that initial startup.
6) Someone mentioned something about different seat inserts? What is this?
7) Any other recommendations by other forum members of what I should consider?
I want to take care of this type of homework now so when I take delivery I can just enjoy the car.
Thanks,
Gareth
1) I'm looking to have the K40 internal radar detector installed. Any recommendations or alternatives suggested?
2) How secure is the MB E55? I'm originally from South Africa where everyone has fuel pump kill/start switches hidden in their cars. Is such a thing necessary in California?
3) I assume the rims come with a special key to unlock one of the nuts?
4) Are there any aftermarket ways to connect my IPOD to the factory installed stereo?
5) How many miles to I have to drive this car responsibly before I can open her up? For my 4-Runner it was 2000 miles at 55. The hardest 2000 miles I ever did, but the car still to this day will not die and I attribute a lot to that initial startup.
6) Someone mentioned something about different seat inserts? What is this?
7) Any other recommendations by other forum members of what I should consider?
I want to take care of this type of homework now so when I take delivery I can just enjoy the car.
Thanks,
Gareth
Welcome to the MBWORLD forums, you have come to the right place for your answer search.
1) I am unsure of your experience with K40, however, many members of this board use Valentine 1 radar detector (Valentineone.com) and are quite pleased with the results. It has arrows pointing the direction of the threat. And if you are looking for a stealth install, Valentine makes a concealed display module. And if you are wanting to be unseen totally, you can have the Valentine one display etched into the rear view mirror.
2) If you mean secure, in the sense of getting stolen or not, any Mercedes is just about the most secure car you can buy. With laser key technology the car does not use a regular key to start the car. Furthermore, there is even a keyless go option which allows you to start the car with the push of a button, while the key remains in your pocket.
3)As far as I know there is a llugnut key in the spare tire area to unlock the rims, however, most members never have problems with theft of wheels and some members have switched to aftermarket wheels costing thousands of dollars more than the stock setup.
4)You can setup your IPOD very cleanly in your car through Mercedes AUX or Auxillary switch, which is also relatively cheap.
5)They say the proper break-in procedure is 1000 miles under 85 mph and 4,000 rpm. Most members adhere to this and have no problem.
6)I dont know about this.
7)Some members opt to change out the US Comand headunit for the European one because the Euro Comand has the ability to play DVD's. This is an aftermarket solution not available at your dealer, however, the Euro Comand is still OEM Mercedes parts.
You will be surprised at the jaw-dropping power of this car that can haul or entire family and all their belongings.
#3
Mirror etched...
Hussein,
If the Valentine 1 is "mirror etched" does this mean that the arrows appear as a hologram inside the mirror similar to those who have tv's in their rear view mirrors? I've seen this before but as decorations in a house, not on a mirror. If it means to simply have the smaller heads-up unit of the Valentine 1 mounted on your mirror as opposed to the whole device thats ok too. Second, if the display is mirror etched, where does the detector itself go? Is it integrated into the front and rear bumpers? If anyone has pictures of a "mirror etched" Valentine 1 I would greatly appreciate it if you posted them. Thanks!
If the Valentine 1 is "mirror etched" does this mean that the arrows appear as a hologram inside the mirror similar to those who have tv's in their rear view mirrors? I've seen this before but as decorations in a house, not on a mirror. If it means to simply have the smaller heads-up unit of the Valentine 1 mounted on your mirror as opposed to the whole device thats ok too. Second, if the display is mirror etched, where does the detector itself go? Is it integrated into the front and rear bumpers? If anyone has pictures of a "mirror etched" Valentine 1 I would greatly appreciate it if you posted them. Thanks!
#4
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
Originally Posted by Hussain
Gareth,
Welcome to the MBWORLD forums, you have come to the right place for your answer search.
1) I am unsure of your experience with K40, however, many members of this board use Valentine 1 radar detector (Valentineone.com) and are quite pleased with the results. It has arrows pointing the direction of the threat. And if you are looking for a stealth install, Valentine makes a concealed display module. And if you are wanting to be unseen totally, you can have the Valentine one display etched into the rear view mirror.
2) If you mean secure, in the sense of getting stolen or not, any Mercedes is just about the most secure car you can buy. With laser key technology the car does not use a regular key to start the car. Furthermore, there is even a keyless go option which allows you to start the car with the push of a button, while the key remains in your pocket.
3)As far as I know there is a llugnut key in the spare tire area to unlock the rims, however, most members never have problems with theft of wheels and some members have switched to aftermarket wheels costing thousands of dollars more than the stock setup.
4)You can setup your IPOD very cleanly in your car through Mercedes AUX or Auxillary switch, which is also relatively cheap.
5)They say the proper break-in procedure is 1000 miles under 85 mph and 4,000 rpm. Most members adhere to this and have no problem.
6)I dont know about this.
7)Some members opt to change out the US Comand headunit for the European one because the Euro Comand has the ability to play DVD's. This is an aftermarket solution not available at your dealer, however, the Euro Comand is still OEM Mercedes parts.
You will be surprised at the jaw-dropping power of this car that can haul or entire family and all their belongings.
Welcome to the MBWORLD forums, you have come to the right place for your answer search.
1) I am unsure of your experience with K40, however, many members of this board use Valentine 1 radar detector (Valentineone.com) and are quite pleased with the results. It has arrows pointing the direction of the threat. And if you are looking for a stealth install, Valentine makes a concealed display module. And if you are wanting to be unseen totally, you can have the Valentine one display etched into the rear view mirror.
2) If you mean secure, in the sense of getting stolen or not, any Mercedes is just about the most secure car you can buy. With laser key technology the car does not use a regular key to start the car. Furthermore, there is even a keyless go option which allows you to start the car with the push of a button, while the key remains in your pocket.
3)As far as I know there is a llugnut key in the spare tire area to unlock the rims, however, most members never have problems with theft of wheels and some members have switched to aftermarket wheels costing thousands of dollars more than the stock setup.
4)You can setup your IPOD very cleanly in your car through Mercedes AUX or Auxillary switch, which is also relatively cheap.
5)They say the proper break-in procedure is 1000 miles under 85 mph and 4,000 rpm. Most members adhere to this and have no problem.
6)I dont know about this.
7)Some members opt to change out the US Comand headunit for the European one because the Euro Comand has the ability to play DVD's. This is an aftermarket solution not available at your dealer, however, the Euro Comand is still OEM Mercedes parts.
You will be surprised at the jaw-dropping power of this car that can haul or entire family and all their belongings.
1) I just spoke with Valentine and they said that the radar detecting unit has to sit on the windshield or with the visor. What they offer is a display that can sit down below the windshield level so you can see the arrows blink down lower where anyone outside your car could not see. Looks like a great unit, I just wish they could hide it better than that. K40 is internal with detectors on the front and rear bumpers, and the lights install into the dash or wherever you want them. But it seems a little less reliable than Valentine and the price tag is neary 4 times as much.
4) Is the AUX switch easy to install, or does it come standard with the car?
7) Where would I get my hands on the European head unit? Easy to install or should I have someone else do it?
Thanks,
Gareth
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This guy, Jim Powell, used to do the InvisiMirror V1 display. http://apexcone.com/tech_invisimirror.html
Not sure if he is still doing it, you might shoot him an email
Not sure if he is still doing it, you might shoot him an email
#6
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
too many to list
Eleanor Owner:
Yes, it appears as a hologram type image. I am not 100% certain on the location of the detector, but I have heard of installing it below the rear shelf, similar to the stealth Sirius satellite radio install. Valentine One also offers a second display only unit that is much smaller to mount in your ashtray or steering wheel, etc...
gmdebruyn:
1) The second display is a Valentine sold product, however, the Mirror Etch display is aftermarket. Many people also purchase Lidatek Laser Jammers to mount in the front and rear of the car whose sole purpose is to "jam laser" while Valentine detects all bands, once laser is detected there is little or no time to react and you are busted. Hence, the need for a laser jammer.
4) Mercedes comes with the auxillary switch, all you have to do is install your ipod, do a search for this.
7) The European headunit is available from Steve (MBenzNL) (www.mbenznl.com) for $1500 swaped with your US headunit or $1200 from MB Doctor (www.mbdoctor.com). I have heard numerous good things about Steve and I have never heard anything of MB Doctor. I have yet to deal with either. Both suppliers also sell other goodies for your Benz such as Euro Impact Strips a very popular item designed to hide your yellow side reflectors. From what I understand, it is a plug and play install, and there are no major tools or wiring needed. I am not very handy when it comes to electronics, or I just dont want to mess anything up, but I think I can manage to install the Euro Comand myself when it comes time for me to get one.
Attached are pictures of Valentine One's second display unit and a picture of what an etched display looks like for Valentine One (aftermarket).
Yes, it appears as a hologram type image. I am not 100% certain on the location of the detector, but I have heard of installing it below the rear shelf, similar to the stealth Sirius satellite radio install. Valentine One also offers a second display only unit that is much smaller to mount in your ashtray or steering wheel, etc...
gmdebruyn:
1) The second display is a Valentine sold product, however, the Mirror Etch display is aftermarket. Many people also purchase Lidatek Laser Jammers to mount in the front and rear of the car whose sole purpose is to "jam laser" while Valentine detects all bands, once laser is detected there is little or no time to react and you are busted. Hence, the need for a laser jammer.
4) Mercedes comes with the auxillary switch, all you have to do is install your ipod, do a search for this.
7) The European headunit is available from Steve (MBenzNL) (www.mbenznl.com) for $1500 swaped with your US headunit or $1200 from MB Doctor (www.mbdoctor.com). I have heard numerous good things about Steve and I have never heard anything of MB Doctor. I have yet to deal with either. Both suppliers also sell other goodies for your Benz such as Euro Impact Strips a very popular item designed to hide your yellow side reflectors. From what I understand, it is a plug and play install, and there are no major tools or wiring needed. I am not very handy when it comes to electronics, or I just dont want to mess anything up, but I think I can manage to install the Euro Comand myself when it comes time for me to get one.
Attached are pictures of Valentine One's second display unit and a picture of what an etched display looks like for Valentine One (aftermarket).
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Long Island
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 Porsche 997TT
My mirror etched V1 is similiar to above, but just on the stock mirror and on the left side. T-Bone has posted picks of mine here before (one of these days i'll get into this century and figure out how to post pics). My V1 is mounted under the rear deck lid and I see very little degradation. I love this approach, but it does not come cheap.
Trending Topics
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Gwinnett County, GA
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 E55 AMG
I'm a long-time V1 user (using a hardwired system with remote display). IIRC, Valentine is very specific about mounting the detector unit on the windshield in such a way that it has unobstructed front & rear views - thus insuring that the directional features work properly.
I'm a bit concerned that mounting the unit in an alternate, concealed location (e.g., under the rear decklid) might compromise its performance. This is hard to quantify, because the under decklid install may register signals just fine, but could a windshield mount offer earlier warning? I doubt any scientific comparisons have been done, but my gut feeling is to stick with what I know works - mount the V1 on the windshield, your choice as to whether or not to use the remote display.
My dealer wanted $2K for a k40 install, plus front & rear Lidatek jammers. I'm staying with the V1.
I'm a bit concerned that mounting the unit in an alternate, concealed location (e.g., under the rear decklid) might compromise its performance. This is hard to quantify, because the under decklid install may register signals just fine, but could a windshield mount offer earlier warning? I doubt any scientific comparisons have been done, but my gut feeling is to stick with what I know works - mount the V1 on the windshield, your choice as to whether or not to use the remote display.
My dealer wanted $2K for a k40 install, plus front & rear Lidatek jammers. I'm staying with the V1.
#13
T-bone, your mirror is perfect. First, where in the world did you get that and where can I get one in LA? Second, what is the rear decklid? Is it just the trunk? I have a decklid spoiler mounted on my car, is it that? Furthermore, if it is mounted on the trunk/trunk area, how does the detector get the frontward view to detect oncoming radars/lasers? Nice setup and thanks for the pics!
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by Eleanor Owner
T-bone, your mirror is perfect. First, where in the world did you get that and where can I get one in LA? Second, what is the rear decklid? Is it just the trunk? I have a decklid spoiler mounted on my car, is it that? Furthermore, if it is mounted on the trunk/trunk area, how does the detector get the frontward view to detect oncoming radars/lasers? Nice setup and thanks for the pics!
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
V1 rear decklid mounting
Originally Posted by t-bone
I wish it were mine, but it's actually cte430's mirror. I just posted the picture for him. The rear decklid is the area behind the backseats. It's where the headrests lay on.
Thanks in advance!
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Gwinnett County, GA
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 E55 AMG
Originally Posted by t-bone
The rear decklid is the area behind the backseats. It's where the headrests lay on.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Long Island
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 Porsche 997TT
Originally Posted by 04E55 AMG
That looks like a AI Design install in NY. Chris and Matt have a great install on the V1 being etched.
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Long Island
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 Porsche 997TT
Originally Posted by W210
t-bone, thanks does anyone have a photo of Chris' rear decklid mounting of the V1?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
#19
Cte, as I said, your mirror is just what I'm looking for. Did you have the etching done custom or did you buy a custom mirror. I was curious because thats an OEM mirror as opposed to one that someone else posted earlier on this thread. Thanks
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Long Island
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 Porsche 997TT
Originally Posted by Eleanor Owner
Cte, as I said, your mirror is just what I'm looking for. Did you have the etching done custom or did you buy a custom mirror. I was curious because thats an OEM mirror as opposed to one that someone else posted earlier on this thread. Thanks
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: California
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ML350 '06
WoW! $3700! It would take a lot of tickets and higher insurance premiums to break even at that cost! But damn...it looks great!
So how is the performance of this setup? Any feed back from ones using this $3700 unit?
Nick
So how is the performance of this setup? Any feed back from ones using this $3700 unit?
Nick
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Long Island
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'07 Porsche 997TT
Originally Posted by Nickerz
WoW! $3700! It would take a lot of tickets and higher insurance premiums to break even at that cost! But damn...it looks great!
So how is the performance of this setup? Any feed back from ones using this $3700 unit?
Nick
So how is the performance of this setup? Any feed back from ones using this $3700 unit?
Nick
One added bonus I did not know about. Was sitting at a stop light in heavy traffic and about 10 ft. from 2 motorcycle cops. The V1 was off. They must have been practicing because as I'm sitting there one cop aims right at me and the lidatek went nuts! The cops kinda stared at each other, trying to figure out what was going on. It was priceless! Fortunately, the light turned green and I was on my way.
#24
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
cte,
any chance you can take a pic of where your V1 is mounted so some of us can put ours there too? i'm curious to see how it is attached physically to that area of the car. also curious to see where your guy tapped into a power source, but thats not that hard to do.
thanks,
Gareth
any chance you can take a pic of where your V1 is mounted so some of us can put ours there too? i'm curious to see how it is attached physically to that area of the car. also curious to see where your guy tapped into a power source, but thats not that hard to do.
thanks,
Gareth
Last edited by gmdebruyn; 11-08-2004 at 02:54 AM.
#25
Oh yeah, one more thing. I was over at BERGwerks today and I spoke to a gm there. He knows benz's in and out and told me that W211 windshields have metallic layers in em but they also have "pockets" where there is no metallic tint in certain areas designed spicifically for radar detectors. Anyone else hear of this or know where the pockets are? I'm thinking of mounting the radar on my rear window and then getting a mirror like CTE430's